MICHAEL DUBERRY is confident he can finally get his Reading career off to a flying start at Middlesbrough tomorrow (3pm kick-off), writes NICK IVE.

Duberry arrived from Stoke City for £800,000 last month, but has yet to feature due to the form of Cameroon international Andre Bikey.

But Bikey will be serving a one-match ban when Reading play their first-ever game at the Riverside after picking up his fifth booking of the season in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Manchester United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

So Duberry, who has recovered from illness, is likely to be called in to partner Ivar Ingimarsson in the heart of Royals’ defence.

The 31-year-old centre-back told the Evening Post: “I think it was just a 24-hour bug I picked up, but I am fine now. I am back training as usual and am ready to play if needed.

“With Bikey suspended there is an opportunity there for the likes of myself, Sam Sodje or Bryn Gunnarsson.

“I would like to fill the gap although I don’t expect anything. The decision is up to the gaffer and I will respect whatever decision he makes. But I do want to make my debut and get my Reading career under way.

“I knew I’d have to sit tight and wait for my chance because Reading are doing well. I am not going to kick up a fuss, but I do want the chance and when it comes I know I have to take it with both hands.”

Reading will be looking to make it 10 matches without defeat at the Riverside tomorrow.

Steve Coppell’s men have already beaten Boro this season having chalked up a thrilling 3-2 victory on the opening day of the season.

Duberry, who was playing for the Potters at the start of the season, though, has warned his team-mates to expect a tougher time this time around after they surrendered a two-goal lead back in August.

He added: “I remember seeing the game from the opening day of the season and it will be even harder for us this time.

“They will know what Reading are capable of, they would have had us scouted

“I think we are now getting respect in this division. Everyone is certainly standing up and taking notice.

“In life you have to earn respect, it's not something you automatically get given and it takes time, but people are now taking notice.”

Duberry will also come up against former Leeds United team-mates Mark Viduka and Jonathan Woodgate at the Riverside tomorrow.

He added: “It will be good to see Viduks and Woody. I will see them before the game and say hello and probably meet up after, but it's all about the game and I just want to help Reading get another three points.”

Reading are still missing Ibrahima Sonko and Peter Mate (both knee), while Bobby Convey has also now been ruled out with a knee problem.

Kevin Doyle will not be in the squad despite being on the way back from a hamstring injury.